Imago Dei Christian Community

“Make every effort to add to your faith..for if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”
2Pet. 1:5-8

In an attempt to explore some basic disciplines that would contribute to spiritual goals we have listed a few “Rules of Life” below to consider. You will undoubtedly find that some of these “rules” are already a part of your Christian life. But consider others of these that you might add as a way of cultivating your intentional relationship with God. The benefit in any of these disciplines comes primarily from establishing regular practices of our faith.

The phrase, “as you can,” which precedes each rule suggests that you should freely accept the limitations of your life at this time. These limitations are unique to each one of us, as are the various seasons of our lives. Some of the natural constraints you feel might be related to your outside circumstances (i.e. busy schedules, too many other people around, an unconducive environment, etc.). Others will be related to the circumstances of your inner life (i.e. weariness, distractions of thought, anxiety, etc.)

The rules are divided into two sections: general (ongoing) and particular (daily). Let us consider how they might contribute to the overall quality of our spiritual life.

General Rules of Life

As you can, meet regularly with a small group of people who know and share your deepest desires for relationship with God. Enjoy prayer together, communion, meditations on Scripture, and worship. Share your experiences of the journey of faith as you commit to encourage each other in your spiritual longings.

As you can, find a regular outlet through which to offer your time, money or labour for the sake of others. Volunteer to serve with a mission or some other help group. Visit the sick, care for the poor, remember the elderly and befriend those around you who are incapacitated in any way.

As you can, live a simple and uncluttered life. Have time for hospitality with everyone you meet in your day, especially God. Invite others into your life, your home, your journey.

As you can, meet regularly with a spiritual director or a friend who can help you remain objective about your spiritual life. Be cautious about overly assessing your sense of spiritual progress, or setbacks, on your own.

As you can, continually equip yourself for the sake of others. Learn new skills or perfect the gifts you have so that others may be blessed by them. Study and be eager to learn so that others may benefit. Endeavour to walk each day as close to God as possible so that the integrity of your spiritual life will encourage this in others as well.

As you can, plan dedicated times for spiritual retreat throughout the year–a day, a weekend, a week or more, away in silence with God. If you are married, help your spouse get away for times of renewal and recovery of spiritual focus.

Particular Rules of Life

As you can, start each morning thanking God for all that will happen in the day ahead. Anticipate goodness and the Lord’s love for you in all that will take place. Seek the Lord’s purpose in every event as He works in and through you for the sake of salvation.

As you can, start each day with 20-30 minutes of silent prayer, remembering the ground of who you are, and of who God is in your life. Do this as a way of preparing the disposition of your heart before you apply yourself to your day. The quality you bring to your day will determine your effectiveness within it–how you respond, how you interpret, and how you contribute to the events of the day.

As you can, recall throughout the day one of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer (see web posting). Let the unique character of each of these prayers impress itself deeply on the character of your day.

As you can, practice Lectio Divina (see web posting) each day–a time of slow spiritual reading and study that has as its purpose the conversion of the heart more than the accumulation of the intellect. Read a short passage of Scripture, or from your own collection of spiritual wisdom you have gathered from others (if you don’t have such a journal, begin one). Let this wisdom enter deeply as the foundation of your life.

As you can, take 5 minutes between the prolonged activities of your day to recollect your soul before God. Let times of rest be among the many activities of your day.

As you can, in the evening, spend another 20-30 minutes in silence before God. Recollect your day, especially noting times of spiritual enthusiasm or of spiritual difficulty (see Awareness Examen posting). Try to learn, from what God reveals to you in these times, how to adjust your life accordingly.

As you can, end each day in gratitude for all that has happened–for what has been given to you, and for what God has given to the world through your life, your thoughts, your prayers. Be grateful for the simple fact of life and for the invitation you have to play a constructive part in the incredible story of Christ’s presence unfolding.